By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 10, 2023
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Just as there are legal requirements for getting married (such as consent, age, etc.), states also regulate the divorce process. In Ohio, the divorce laws include the possibility of a court-ordered conciliation period for as much as 90 days, while the plaintiff -- the person filing for divorce -- must have been a state resident for at least six months.
This article provides a brief overview of divorce laws in Ohio.
Ohio law allows no-fault divorce (at most, requiring the spouses to remain physically separated for one year), but calls the legal process a dissolution. The Ohio Supreme Court provides downloads of forms for Ohio Dissolution without Children and Ohio Dissolution with Children.
For a divorce, which requires fault in Ohio, the state code lists the following grounds:
If seeking a divorce on one or more of the above grounds and want to download forms, follow the links for Divorce without Children or Divorce with Children. Some uncontested divorces without children may be reconciled without an attorney, but more often parties to a divorce are better off hiring a lawyer, particularly if the other party is represented.
Learn more about Ohio's divorce laws in the table below. See FindLaw's extensive Divorce section for more articles and resources.
Code Section |
§ 3105 et seq. of the Ohio Revised Code |
|---|---|
Residency Requirements |
Plaintiff must have been a resident for six months |
Waiting Period |
The decree is immediately final, but the court may order a conciliation period of up to 90 days |
'No-Fault' Grounds for Divorce |
Separation (1 yr.); incompatibility (unless denied by other party) |
Defenses to a Divorce Filing |
- |
Other Grounds for Divorce |
Adultery; cruelty or violence; desertion; alcohol addiction; imprisonment; prior marriage undissolved; fraudulent contract; another party procures a divorce out of state; gross neglect of duty |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage the new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Deciding to take steps to dissolve your marriage is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make. This is particularly true if you have children together. You don't have to go through this process by yourself. There are skilled divorce lawyers available to help you understand Ohio's divorce laws and how they will impact you.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored divorce advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.